Touted as the most powerful V12 engine ever fitted to a road car, Zenvo Automotive has announced it will shortly breathe air into its ‘Mjølner’ powertrain.
Developed in partnership with UK-based company MAHLE Powertrain, the Mjølner power unit comprises a 6.6-litre quad-turbo V12, replete with ‘Jet Ignition’ system’ that’s supplemented by a trio of electric motors. While the internal combustion engine’s (ICE) 932 kW is undoubtedly impressive, it’s the hybrid configuration’s combined peak power output that is truly jaw-dropping. In total, the Mjølner produces a staggering 1 380 kW. Torque is estimated to be 1 700 N.m.
It is not every day that a V12 engine is born, so it is very proud moment and very exciting to finally showcase Mjølner — Zenvo Automotive Chairman Jens Sverdrup
The high-revving (up to a red line of 9 800 r/min) Mjølner powerplant will be employed by the Danish automaker’s Aurora hypercar. The firm claims the all-wheel-drive hypercar completes the 0-100 km/h, 0-300 km/h and 0-400 km/h sprints in an estimated 2.3 seconds, 9.0 seconds and 17 seconds, respectively. The mid-engined hypercar’s top speed is an estimated 450 km/h.
“A key part of the Aurora programme is around delivering an emotional connection for drivers and passengers, designed to stimulate the senses,” said Zenvo Automotive Chairman Jens Sverdrup. “Sound and visceral drama is what [the] Aurora will be all about, and the engine is a vital element in this, which we will turn up to 11.”
Said John Hollingworth, Sales and Marketing Director at MAHLE Powertrain, “Watching the development of this engine from the ground up has been a labour of love. There have been some real engineering challenges along this journey, which have really put our engineering teams to the test, but they have more than delivered at every step.
“Now, seeing the hardware come together to start the next phase of engine testing is a real achievement. It is a true testament to our engineers and the way they have risen to this challenge, developing a road engine unlike anything else in the world. It really showcases their expertise, pushed to the absolute maximum across our business.
“We are so close to hearing the soundtrack of the Mjølner engine, and everyone is waiting with anticipation to hear that first roar into life. It will be a defining moment in automotive history.”
